Students in need at Twin Rivers Elementary School are able to have full bellies during the weekend thanks to members at Lyons-Muir Church.

Offerings collected during the services help fund the Weekender Program, which provides a grocery bag of non-perishable food items for families of students who are on the free and reduced lunch program.

"We realized there is a need for the children," said Lyons-Muir Church member Nancy Graffis.

She said the food is purchased from Feeding America in Grand Rapids and is shipped with the food for Zion Community Food Pantry. From there, members pick up the food, pack grocery bags and deliver the bags to Twin Rivers every Wednesday. Parents of the students pick up the bags and are allowed one bag per two children, she added.

"We're just really glad to be able to do it," Graffis added.

Though the number has decreased since last year, the church still assists about 20 families, but Graffis said there is room for more.

"We'd be glad to see it increase," she added. "The response from our congregation is really good."

She said the church members continue to support the program in hopes the children will function better in school and become better citizens. She also said she believes the program may inspire the children to give back.

"The work the church has done has been amazing and a blessing," said Twin Rivers Elementary School Principal Dayna Ellis.

She said the program began after speaking with the church pastor, Bert Nelson about the number of students on the free and reduced lunch program. At first, the effort was shared between the church and the Muir Food Pantry, but as the pantry became overwhelmed, it could no longer commit. Now the church is the sole supporter of the Weekender Program.

"I think it is amazing that people come together to raise the money, put the food bags together and deliver them to the school every Wednesday. Approximately 20 to 25 families are being served this year, and when tough times hit a family it is wonderful to be able to offer this program to make sure the children are fed over the weekend," Ellis added.

To make a food or monetary donation, call the Lyons-Muir Church at 989-855-2247. Families with children at Twin Rivers who are in need should speak with Ellis.